Inside the UN's 25th Anniversary Commemoration of the Durban Declaration: Agenda and Attendees

The United Nations General Assembly will hold a high-level meeting on Monday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration, which stands as one of the most comprehensive global frameworks designed to combat racial discrimination and inequality.

Originally adopted at the 2001 World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa, the 153-page document is not legally binding for member states. It addresses global issues including racism, xenophobia, and the oppression of Indigenous populations. A new political declaration is expected to be adopted during Monday's gathering.

What issues did the 2001 Durban Declaration address?

Officially known as the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), the document urged member states to implement measures to eradicate various forms of oppression, such as racism and gender-based discrimination. The landmark conference recognized historical injustices by acknowledging slavery and the slave trade as crimes against humanity linked to modern poverty and disparities. Apartheid and genocide were characterized as sources and manifestations of intolerance, and participants were called upon to condemn and prevent the recurrence of such crimes.

The text asserted that migration policies should not rely on racism and intolerance and recognized the rights of Indigenous peoples. It also expressed concern regarding the plight of Palestinian people under foreign occupation, recognizing their inalienable right to self-determination and an independent State, alongside the right to security for all States in the region, including Israel.

An early draft had controversially equated Zionism with racism, but that language was removed due to opposition from Israel and its Western allies. Multiple rights groups, scholars, and a UN commission of inquiry have argued that Israeli policies against Palestinians amount to apartheid and genocide.

Review conferences were subsequently held in Geneva in April 2009 and in 2011 to assess progress and reaffirm commitments to fighting racism.

Who agreed to the text, and who opposed it?

While the vast majority of UN member states adopted the 2001 declaration by consensus, the United States and Israel withdrew from the conference and did not support the text due to clauses concerning Israel and Palestine, as well as provisions recognizing the right of refugees to return voluntarily to their homes.

What is expected at the 25th anniversary meeting?

Organized by the UN Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights at United Nations Headquarters in New York City, the Monday event aims to raise awareness of the DDPA, facilitate dialogue, and identify strategies for renewed political will. The theme is "Mobilizing Global Public Support for the Full and Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action." The agenda features an interactive panel discussion focused on youth leadership from marginalized racial and ethnic groups.

Who is attending?

The opening plenary will feature statements from Khalilur Rahman, president of the 81st UN General Assembly; UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres; UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk; a representative from South Africa; an NGO representative; and a youth representative. General debates involving UN member states and observers will follow.